XENIA — Major Gary Johnson is retiring from the Xenia Police Division after 35 years.

Johnson was born and raised in Xenia and began his career in law enforcement as a reserve officer with the Xenia Police Division in January 1988. Johnson became a full-time officer with XPD in November 1991 and rose through the ranks, being sworn in as a sergeant on March 28, 2003, captain on March 8, 2019, and major on June 28, 2022.

Over the course of his career, Johnson received numerous commendations for his service and leadership including the division’s highest honor, the Casey Elliott Memorial “City’s Finest” Award, after pulling a man to safety from a burning vehicle in October 2013. Johnson was also one of the public safety personnel honored with the Meritorious Service Award for his actions as one of the first responders to the F4 tornado that tore through Xenia on September 20, 2000. In 2007 he was awarded for his leadership role in bringing the Public Safety Information Sharing Network online. The intricate project was a countywide computer-aided dispatch and records management system for Police, Fire, and EMS Services.

“It has been a real blessing to be able to spend the last 35 years serving the community where I grew up,” Johnson said. “The Xenia community shows incredible support for their police officers. Not every police agency can say that. I have been honored to work beside some of the finest first responders you will ever find.”

Johnson’s final day with XPD will be March 3.

“Major Gary Johnson served the division for 35 years,” Chief Chris Stutes said. “His leadership, experience, and technical knowledge will be greatly missed. I thank him for his commitment to the division and the community. Congratulations on your retirement. Well deserved.”